Stereo Headphones for DTB Machines
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The Library of Congress, through its National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, is soliciting stereo headphones under solicitation number 2026-NLS-0048 for use by patrons who are unable to read printed material due to visual or physical disabilities. This is a full and open competition conducted as a single award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under FAR Subpart 13.5, with a base period from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2031, and estimated contract value ranging from $100,000 to $2 million. The headphones must meet strict technical specifications detailed in Section C and J1-Attachment, including lightweight design, on-ear cushions, an adjustable headband, a 3.5 mm stereo plug, and compliance with human engineering standards such as smooth surfaces free of sharp edges, no locking mechanisms, and no exposed electrical conductors. Proposals must include two pre-award samples meeting electrical and technical requirements but not necessarily full packaging or labeling standards, followed by twenty production control samples for approval prior to any full-scale manufacturing. A comprehensive Quality Control Plan, inspection procedures, and a Compliance and Conformance Table are mandatory, and all items must be packaged in individual 2-mil plastic bags and labeled with exact federal free matter language on cartons, with layout approvals submitted prior to production. The evaluation process follows a Best Value Tradeoff methodology, with offers evaluated across four volumes: Volume I—Samples for Pre-Award Testing (a mandatory pass/fail gate), Volume II—Technical Approach (assessing quality control, manufacturing capacity, and technical feasibility), Volume III—Past Performance (evaluating risk based on prior contract fulfillment), and Volume IV—Price (evaluated within the context of overall value). While the relative weighting of these factors is not disclosed per FAR guidelines, failure on Volume I eliminates an offeror outright. All proposals must be submitted electronically by the deadline of July 31, 2026, to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist, and must include current SAM registration with a valid UEI number and full compliance with required representations. The contract includes specific clauses pertaining to gratuities, System for Award Management maintenance, prohibitions on certain foreign entities and trafficking, accelerated small business payments, and warranty coverage under FAR 52.246-17. Payment will be triggered upon delivery of items or successful performance under task orders
General Info
Contract Value
$2,000,000Place of Performance
Washington, DC, 20540, USASet-Aside
Awardee
KOSS CORPORATIONAward Issued Date
Timeline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Amendment -0001: The purpose of this amendment is to answer questions submitted by potential offerors. See the pre-proposal question and answer (Q&A) J4-Attachment.
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Notice: This is a competitive solicitation for commercial products and commercial services adhering to the requirements of FAR subpart 13.5, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, and FAR Subpart 6.1, Full and Open Competition with additional information included in this synopsis. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP). This is for the procurement of stereo headphones for the Library’s audio playback machines.
The Library of Congress, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) provide a free audiobook and braille library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical, perceptual or reading disability that makes it difficult to read print. The NLS provides audio playback machines and accessories to Library patrons who are unable to read standard printed material due to physical visual limitations. Stereo headphones are an essential accessory for Library patrons who wish to listen to audiobooks privately or without disturbing others in their immediate surroundings, reduced background noise and distractions and enhanced listening comfort in multiple environments.
The contractor shall develop and produce stereo headphones in accordance with the specification requirements contained in Section C and J1-Attachment -Stereo Headphones Specifications. The contractor shall provide two (2) proposal samples of the proposed stereo headphones for evaluation with its proposal submission. The contractor shall provide twenty (20) production control samples for evaluation and approval. Full production units shall not be manufactured or delivered until written approval of the production control samples has been received from the Library. The contractor shall also provide Quality Control Plan (QCP) and inspection procedures in accordance with the specification requirements. In addition, the contractor shall furnish individual cartons and overpack cartons for the packaging and shipment of the stereo headphones. A one-year warranty covering all stereo headphones furnished under the contract shall also be provided.
This solicitation is being conducted as a full and open competition utilizing a Best Value Trade off source selection process in accordance with FAR 13.5, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The Library intends to award a single Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the development and production of stereo headphones to support the Library’s audiobook program by providing patrons with the essential accessories needed to access and enjoy audiobook materials. Under the tradeoff process, the Library will evaluate both price and non-price factors that affect contract award. This process permits tradeoffs amongst price and non-price factors in determining the proposal that represents the best overall value to the Library.
Evaluation Factors For this competition the following evaluation factors will be used to determine the Best Value Tradeoff (BVTO) for the government:
- Volume I – Samples for Pre-Award Testing
- Volume II - Technical Approach
- Volume III - Past Performance
- Volume IIII - Price
In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(a)(2)(iii), the Library is not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor and subfactor.
Important:
- Offerors shall submit two (2) proposal samples of each proposed stereo headphone model with their proposal. Pre-award testing samples shall comply with all electrical and technical requirements specified in Section C. However, pre-award testing samples are not required to comply with all physical, mechanical, marking, labeling, or packaging requirements applicable to the production control samples or the final production quantities delivered under the contract. See Section L & M for further details.
- The offeror shall include a complete Compliance and Conformance Table with its proposal package. See Section L & M for further details.
The following attachments are included in this notice:
- J1 - Attachment - Stereo Headphones Specifications (11 Pages)
- J2 - Attachment - Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (3 Pages)
- J3 - Attachment - Pricing Schedule (1 Tab)
- J4 - Attachment - Solicitation Question & Answer (Q&A) (1 Page)
All proposals shall be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer, Brian Curl, at contact@example.gov and the Contracting Specialist, Brenda Kinlay, at contact@example.gov, no later than the response date specified in this solicitation.
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